TTUHSC El Paso is located in the second largest binational metropolitan area on the U.S.-Mexico border. It provides the opportunities and environment for direct intellectual and interpersonal exchanges among nursing, medical, and graduate research students on one campus.

Non-Immigrant Visas

Departments and schools hiring international personnel or hosting international visitors
for short or longer-term projects will find there are several non-immigrant options.
Below is a list of the most common non-immigrant visa types used at TTUHSC El Paso.
Click on the links for more details on each option, or contact Visa and Immigration
Services Administration (Visa) with any additional questions.

Note: A "visa" is a stamp in the passport issued by a US Embassy or Consulate abroad.

"Status" refers to the immigration status the person has in the US, which may not match the
visa. Status is indicated by the “I-94 Departure Record.”

Listings and Descriptions:

Business or Tourist status (B-1/B-2/WB/WT)

Usually the easiest and most appropriate category for persons coming for very short-term
reasons such as conferences and presentations.

May be paid an honorarium and/or expenses for an event of 9 days or less. Travel time
may be outside the 9-day period.

May be used for longer stays for self-funded academic research.

May be used by observers (research only)

Visa documentation in the form of invitation letter from host department.

Not appropriate for research collaborations that benefit the institution even if the
foreign national is self-funded or funded by their home country institution.

J-1 Short-Term Scholar status is appropriate for visitors with that intend to stay
for 6 months or less.

May be paid or unpaid (sabbatical, outside funding).

May not be used for a tenure-track position.

Cannot be extended beyond a total of 6 months.

Processing is through Visa , documentation prepared in 1–2 weeks after Visa has received
all information from the host department.

$180 SEVIS fee, usually paid by applicant.

J-2 dependents eligible to apply for work authorization and to take classes.

J-1 Researcher or Professor

J-1 Researcher or Professor status is appropriate for many research or teaching positions.

May be paid or unpaid (sabbatical, outside funding).

May not be used for a tenure-track position.

Status can be granted for up to a maximum of 5 years.

Processing is through Visa , documentation prepared in 1–2 weeks after Visa has all
information from the host department.

$180 SEVIS fee, usually paid by applicant.

J-2 dependents eligible to apply for work authorization.

Persons who have previously been in J status may not be eligible for Professor or
Researcher documentation for a specified time thereafter.

J-1 Student Intern

Must fulfill the educational objectives for the student’s current degree program at
the home institution

Must be full-time (at least 32 hours per week)

May be up to 12 months in duration

All tasks assigned must be necessary for the completion of the student internship
program, and the internship tasks may consist of no more than 20% clerical work

Must expose the participant to American techniques, methodologies, and technology,
expand upon the participant’s existing knowledge and skills, and not duplicate the
student intern’s prior experience

H-1B (Specialty Worker) H-1B status is appropriate for professional and academic appointments.

Available initially for up to 3 years, renewable for up to a total of 6 years.

The position must require a Bachelor's or higher degree and beneficiary must have
a relevant degree.

Salary must meet minimum prevailing wage standard set by Department of Labor.

Requires processing through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after
preparation by the Visa . Average Visa processing of application (including Department
of Labor processing), is approximately 10 weeks after receiving supporting documentation
from the hiring department and employee; USCIS processing, 3 months after application
received. Premium processing fee of $1225 guarantees adjudication by USCIS (or a
fee refund) within 15 calendar days of receipt. If the employee is already in H-1B
status, the employee may begin employment once USCIS returns a receipt notice to the
(Visa) .

USCIS application fee of $825 for initial application ($325 for extensions) must be
paid by department.

Changes in employment and transfers of H-1B status: Employees in H-1B status at TTUHSC El Paso. El Paso should be aware that their
current H-1B status only provides work authorization to work at TTUHSC El Paso in
the job specified on the Labor Condition Application and/or immigration filing. If
the occupation changes, employment is possible but will likely require notification
to the DOL and USCIS. Please contact (Visa) with any changes in employment.

E-3 (Australian Speciality Worker)

Limited to Australian citizens and E-3 status is appropriate for professional and
academic appointments.

Status can be granted for up to 2 years, extended in 2-year increments indefinitely.

The position must require a Bachelor’s or higher degree and beneficiary must have
a relevant degree.

Salary must meet minimum prevailing wage standard set by Department of Labor.

Does not require processing through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS),
unless the employee is in the US and will apply for a change/extension of status.
Average (Visa) processing of application (including Department of Labor processing)
is 10 weeks after supporting documentation has been received from the hiring department/employee.
USCIS processing, if required, is 3 months after application received. Premium processing is not available.

No USCIS application fee, unless employee is in the US and will apply for a change
of status to E-3.

Requires processing through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after
preparation by the Visa . Average Visa processing, 4-6 weeks after supporting documentation
has been received from the hiring department/employee; USCIS processing, 3 months
after application received. Premium processing fee of $1225 guarantees adjudication
by USCIS (or a fee refund) within 15 calendar days of receipt.

TN (Trade NAFTA) TN status is available to Canadian and Mexican citizens in specified fields, including
university teaching and research.

Initial status can be granted for 3 years. Further extensions of up to 3 years may
be granted.

Does not require processing through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS),
unless the employee is in the US and will apply for a change/extension of status.
Average (Visa) processing time is approximately 2-4 weeks after all the supporting
documentation has been submitted by the hiring department/employee. USCIS processing,
if required, is 3 months after the application is received. Premium processing fee
of $1225 guarantees adjudication by USCIS (or a fee refund) within 15 calendar days
of receipt.

Fee of $50 if applying at border. USCIS fee of $325 if applying for change of status
or extension in the US.

TD (dependents) may not work including volunteer work and internships.

Tech Talk: HSC El Paso 09/25/17

Take a moment to enjoy this week’s Tech Talk: HSC El Paso video! Tech Talk: HSC El
Paso provides you with a roundup of information and events happening on campus!

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters, doctoral, and professional degrees. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso is a part of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and is currently seeking separate accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.